Thepmetha Thepboonta

Lost in a quiet residential area between the tranquil Wat Umong and the bustling Chiang Mai University is a bar-gallery unlike any other, run by Metha (Thepmetha Thepboonta), an artist from Ubon Ratchathani. After completing his studies in printmaking at Chiang Mai University, he decided to settle in this neighbourhood. Students often gather here for bingsu, games and chit-chat, while Metha stands behind the bar, mixing cocktails. It was a busy evening when I visited, but we managed to talk at the end of the night. As an artist he works under the name Methagod, making prints, sculptures, art toys, clothing and jewellery. His work uses those forms to approach personal stories and subjects including gender, sexuality and identity.

During our conversation, I realised I had seen his work years earlier at Bridge Art Space. The bar made that memory click into place: a space reflecting his unique universe, where every corner and every cocktail felt like a piece of Methagod.